Movement Disorders Program

Movement Disorders are disabling and they affect the quality of the life you live. Movement Disorders are caused by a variety of diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Essential Tremor, and Dystonia. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) safely and effectively manages some of the most disabling motor symptoms of your movement disorder.

Seeking care for your movement disorder starts with a referral from your Primary Care Physician to a Movement Disorder Neurologist. The Neurologist manages medications and treatment plans tailored specifically for each patient. They work closely with the Neurosurgeon who performs DBS once you are determined to be an appropriate candidate for the surgery.

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center has been performing DBS for over 5 years now. Our specialized multi-disciplinary team will work together with you and your doctors to help improve your quality of life through DBS.

Treating Parkinson’s Disease with DBS

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) safely and effectively manages tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia / akinesia associated with Parkinson's disease.

Dopaminergic medications usually treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's effectively at first. Over time, medications alone often do not work as well as they used to, and Parkinson's symptoms may start affecting quality of life. A patient may also not be able to tolerate medication side effects including dyskinesia. If medication alone creates troublesome side effects or is not working as well for you, one option that may be right for you is deep brain stimulation therapy. Deep brain stimulation may be a therapeutic option for Parkinson's patients with recent or longer-standing motor complications. It is important to meet with a Movement Disorder Neurologist early upon diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease so the various treatment options and ideal timing for each can be carefully explained to you.

DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver carefully controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. DBS Therapy is approved for bilateral stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease. The implanted system is programmed to customize therapy for the patient.

Treating Essential Tremor with DBS

Deep brain stimulation has been shown to reduce tremor in the upper extremity that is associated with essential tremor.

Patients with mild tremor may cope for years without treatment. Symptoms can worsen and become severe. Essential tremor can make it difficult for people to keep working, stay independent, and do everyday activities. They often avoid social situations and become isolated, anxious, or depressed.

Usually medication is tried first. Medications do not help most people and can have intolerable side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, or thinking problems. Injection of botulinum toxin may provide temporary relief of head tremor, but tends to weaken the hands.

If medications have not worked, and the tremor is keeping the patient from what he or she wants to do, deep brain stimulation should be considered.

Deep brain stimulation uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver carefully controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. DBS Therapy is approved for unilateral stimulation in patients with essential tremor. The implanted system is programmed to customize therapy for the patient.

Treating Dystonia with DBS

DBS Therapy for dystonia* is approved by the FDA under a Humanitarian Device Exemption for the aid in management of chronic, intractable (drug refractory) primary dystonia, including generalized and segmental dystonia, hemidystonia, and cervical dystonia (torticollis), for individuals 7 years of age and older.

Dystonia can cause severe involuntary muscle contractions that force certain parts of the body into repetitive, twisting movements or painful postures. Although dystonia has no cure, there are a number of treatments available for finding relief. One option for those with chronic, treatment-resistant primary dystonia may be deep brain stimulation.

DBS Therapy uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, to deliver carefully controlled electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. DBS Therapy is approved for unilateral or bilateral stimulation in patients with dystonia. The implanted system is programmed to customize therapy for the patient.

Reference: https://professional.medtronic.com/pt/neuro/dbs-md/edu/about/index.htm

If you are suffering from a movement disorders and would like more information on your treatment options, ask your doctor about Deep Brain Stimulation, or call 909.865.9858 for more information about a movement disorders doctor within your insurance plan. If you have general questions about the program, please email us at: MovementDisorders@pvhmc.org.